NSW Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig, has suspended Clarence Valley Council for three months and appointed an interim administrator.
The suspension follows a Council resolution to seek an external investigation into an extensive range of matters concerning its governance, administration, operations and financial management.
Those matters included governance and statutory compliance, workplace culture, recruitment, financial management and procurement, councillor access to information, complaints and Public Interest Disclosures, internal audit and risk management, and possible maladministration, waste and systemic governance failure.
“I have today suspended Clarence Valley Council for three months and appointed Mr John Rayner PSM as interim administrator because I reasonably believe his appointment is necessary to restore the proper or effective functioning of the Council,” said Mr Hoenig.
“I considered submissions and each of the prescribed suspension criteria before making my decision.
“Mr Rayner is an experienced local government executive and will exercise the functions of the governing body during the suspension period.”
In a statement, the Council said it remains open and operational “with staff remaining focused on serving the community and delivering outcomes for the Clarence Valley”. Â
“The Administrator, Mr John Rayner PSM, will replace the function of Councillors and provide governance oversight and work with Council’s executive leadership and staff with the intention of ensuring the future performance of Council.  Council services, facilities and projects will continue to operate as normal.
“We recognise that there may be questions about the appointment and further information will be provided as it becomes available,” the Council stated.
